Dallaglio: I can lead Wasps recovery

Lawrence Dallaglio is counting on his permanent presence at Double-winning London Wasps as a key factor in the defence of their English league and European Cup titles.

There are no other calls on Dallaglio's time now he has stood down from the England captaincy and his task is to steer Wasps back on to a winning course after two defeats.

"We are not panicking yet and we do have a lot of of injuries which affect selection," said Dallaglio.

"We recovered last year and I am here to supervise things through the autumn."

A year ago Wasps did not look contenders for the big honours when they lost three out of four matches in the first month of the season.

Two years ago they won only three out of six at the start.

In both seasons they demonstrated their powers of recovery to win successive Premiership finals.

As Wasps prepare to play at Leeds on Sunday, Dallaglio insisted: "We were only just edged out of a win against Sale so we have something to build on from that."

Earlier this week Dallaglio was at an elegant West End club thanking media friends and former Wasps for their support.

He had a few cuts on his forehead as a reminder of what he does for a living and stressed that he is dedicated now to two years of hard graft with Wasps.

His testimonial year ends in December and he has decided to offer the shirt he wore in the World Cup final for auction next month, with the proceeds going to Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood.

Saracens, London's only unbeaten club, have England scrum-half Kyran Bracken back on duty at Sale tonight and promote Richard Haughton and Ben Johnston to the backs as cover for injuries.

London Irish adjust their pack to take on formidable Leicester at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday. Captain Ryan Strudwick is moved to flanker and 6ft 8in Nick Kennedy plays in the second row to counter England's World Cup captain Martin Johnson.

Harlequins need to check on the fitness of England centre Will Greenwood (left) for their visit to Newcastle on Sunday. Greenwood took a bang on the head last weekend.

Co-centre Mel Deane is absent because of a knee injury and Andy Reay will take his place.

Australia's long-serving full-back Matt Burke is given his first start in the Premiership by Newcastle chief Rob Andrew.